On Schitt's Creek, siblings Alexis and David have an unconventional relationship. Not strangers but not entirely friends, they have a bond forged by being raised by two of the most ambivalent parents ever. Alexis has enjoyed a life in the spotlight, dating celebrities and escaping legal jams with her particular strand of street-savvy while David is more moody, masking his vulnerability with sharp quips.
Sarcastic banter and insults aside, Alexis and David don't always like each other, but there's no doubt they love each other (even if they never say it). As a big brother, David has had his ups and downs. Here are five times David was a terrible brother to Alexis, and five times he was the best.
Terrible Brother: He Doesn't Attend Alexis' Graduation
Alexis claims she doesn't want to make a BFD about finally getting her diploma in season 3's "Grad Night." There's nothing the Roses love more than an easy way out of something they don't want to do, so she doesn't get much push back from her parents or David.
David remains steadfast about not honoring his sister's achievement because it also happens to be his birthday and everyone forgot. Yes, it's his birthday. Yes, he's hurt, but David should still push his pettiness aside to support his sister.
The Best: He Comforts Alexis After Her Breakup With Mutt
Alexis has had many boyfriends and dalliances with the rich and famous, but Mutt is her first real relationship. All it took to push this relationship off the rails is Mutt's decision to shave his beard. This doesn't mean Alexis didn't catch some feels, something she confesses to David in season 2's "Moira vs. Town Council." It's the only time ending a romance that leaves her bent if not broken.
Alexis' realization that she let someone in, and that she's capable of getting hurt is something David can relate to. It's a genuine moment between the twosome: one not cheapened with sarcasm or distaste. David says more by not speaking. They end with an embrace that begins awkwardly, but eventually, they lean into it and each other.
Terrible Brother: He Kisses Alexis' Boyfriend
At Patrick's housewarming party on season 5's "Housewarming," the theme is a throwback to the days of slumber parties and spin the bottle. Things heat up when a drunken Ted's spin lands on David resulting in an enthusiastic smooch. David is giddy to be singled out by the resident hunky vet given his lack of popularity in high school.
But Alexis and Patrick are both peeved. There is an unspoken rule that you might not want to kiss your sister's boyfriend (even if it's G-rated). David is tickled that Patrick is jealous, but when it comes to Alexis' set of party dos and don'ts, David could not care less.
The Best: He Asks Alexis To Move To NYC
When Johnny receives an offer for the town, the Roses prepare to leave Schitt's Creek and go their separate ways in season 1's "Town for Sale." Not everyone is eager to return to the good 'ole days. David offers a sincere invitation to Alexis to move in with him in NYC.
David doesn't put himself out there much because he fears rejection, and while he genuinely anticipates missing his sister's company, she makes it clear she doesn't feel the same. David's plan to cohabitate with his sister isn't entirely selfless: he doesn't want to live alone. But despite their bickering, there's a desire to build on their connection -- at least on David's part.
Terrible Brother: Tries To Steal Alexis' Apartment
When Alexis decides living with her parents isn't a cute look, David isn't exactly supportive on season 2's "The Motel Guest." After begrudgingly accompanying Alexis to check out a place, he finds that Schitt's Creek does have at least one that meets his high standards. Alexis is also a fan of the space, so David does his best to manipulate Alexis into changing her mind. His efforts are so transparent that even Alexis catches on, and David can't hide his desire to steal the gem out from Alexis. Dysfunctional family drama comes and goes, but good real estate can last a lifetime.
The Best: Confesses He Worried About Her For Years
When Alexis takes David to get his driver's license in season 3's "Driving Test," it becomes a roller coaster ride of emotions as the siblings work through some issues. David tells Alexis that while she was off galavanting around the world with random guys, he was at home worried about her.
He's not the killjoy Alexis paints him to be. He was attempting to be a good big brother who was on call for his flighty sister when their parents were nowhere to be found. Alexis finally understands this is what family does, and the realization that her brother isn't as heartless as he may seem brings a smile to her face.
Terrible Brother: He Doesn't Support Alexis' Pregnancy
When Johnny finds a positive pregnancy test and assumes it's Alexis', the remaining Roses are not excited about the possible new addition in season 4's "Pregnancy Test." David gets some flack for not looking out for his sister. He admits to noticing a change in her behavior but chalks it up to her life being a complete mess.
His assessment certainly isn't helpful. David also makes it crystal clear that he's not ready to be emotionally available to a baby. Alexis and David often take turns not caring about what's new in the other's life, and this time David is up at-bat. Thank goodness the whole thing is a mix-up, but it means David can't use his sister's potentially huge news to gain attention for himself.
The Best: He Scolds Moira For Being Insensitive
Moira chooses the worst possible time to chatter about Ted canoodling at the cafe with his new girlfriend on season 4's "Girls' Night." Moira is so out of touch when it comes to her daughter's love life, she neither knows Alexis is in love with Ted nor picks up on David's cues that she should change the subject. Usually, David loves a good pile-on, but even he doesn't have the heart to see salt rubbed in his sister's gaping wound.
David chastises his mother for her insensitivity and overall lack of interest in Alexis' life. Alexis and David often join forces to tease and torture their parents, but this time, David is interested (almost) solely in what's best for his sister which happens to not be idle chit chat about the town vet.
Terrible Brother: He Has Never Told Alexis He Loves Her
The Rose family as a whole has trouble with sentimentality or any emotions usually expressed by family members such as empathy ... or love. They aren't big on hugs or public (or private) displays of affection. But it's still a bit shocking to hear David admit to Patrick on season 4's "Singles Week" that he's only uttered the words "I love you" three times: twice to his parents and once during a Mariah Carey concert. This means he's never said it to his sister.
It's tragic (and darkly humorous) how repressed David is thanks to years of constant scorn and rejection from strangers ... and his family. After four seasons and several milestones, it's long overdue for David to say the big L-word to Alexis.
The Best: Saves Alexis' Relationship With Ted
David prefers to steer clear of Alexis's love life, especially when it comes to Ted. He's more concerned about feeling awkward than anything else. When he has no choice but to face Ted, David does something very out of character: he defends his sister.
Ted has doubts about giving Alexis another chance, and it's David who convinces him that Alexis has changed. David could just as easily have said something snarky and made a quick escape, but he allows himself to become Ted's confidant. David is a lot of things good and bad, but one of his best roles is as a matchmaker for Alexis.